Jacobstowe
The B&B at Lashbrook House, West Devon is in the village of Jacobstowe which was recorded as ‘Stowe Sancti Jacobi’ implying a Saxon origin of a church in this place. The church of St James which stands today dates back to the 15th century. The clock on the north side of the tower dates from around 1726 and stills requires winding every day. In 1903, an unpleasant little figurine was found in the belfry. No one is sure where it came from but it can now be seen above the east window. Inside, the east wall is panelled and features paintings of the Lords Prayer and the Ten Commandments.
Exbourne
From Lashbrook House, Bed and Breakfast there is a circular walk to the next village of Exbourne which consists of a 15th century Church of St Mary with a 15th century carved wooden screen and the Inn. The local reddish soil characterises many of the rubble and cob buildings and much of this historic core of Exbourne is a Conservation Area. The old Holmeswell pump can be seen in Duck Street below the Church. Although there were several other wells, this pump was said to provide the best water in the village.
Hatherleigh
Nearby to Lashbrook House B&B is the village of Hatherleigh probably began as the Saxon settlement of 'Haegporn Leah' meaning hawthorn glade and was first recorded in 981 when it was confirmed as part of the endowment of Tavistock Abbey. Later Hatherleigh became a medieval borough and a licence to hold a market in the town was first granted by Henry III in 1220 - the current Tuseday market dates from 1693. Events in Hatherleigh, Walrus Charity Dip, Manor Court, Ruby Run Half Marathon, Arts Festival, South West Forest Woodfair, Carnival,(flaming tar barrels pulled through streets, second Saturday in November). Firework display, Exhibitions, Pannier Market,( every Tuesday) with local produce, Concerts, Auctions and Car boot sales. There is also a separate auction house at the end of the village. Two walks in Hatherleigh, North and South walk take in sections of the Tarka Trail.
Okehampton
Nearby town to Lashbrook House B&B is Okehampton gateway to wild north Moor, ideal base for walkers, main street with town hall built as dwelling 1685. Castle ruins on beautiful site above West Okement River, Picturesque Simmons Park on riverbank. Attractions: Dartmoor Railway, Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton Castle. The West Devon triangle walk, the West Devon way, two Castles trail and Tamar Valley Discovery trail all link together to form a triangle of walks through West Devon. Okehampton makes a specially suitable start and finish point for the 90 miles of the three combined trails - you can even take advantage of the local Dartmoor Railway to cover the first 3 miles.
Enjoy the experience of the Dartmoor railway from Okehampton to Meldon Viaduct, explore the beautiful countryside of Mid-Devon and North Dartmoor. You could combine your trip with a walk, cycle ride or simply enjoy the view from the train. The Dartmoor Belle - a first class dining experience. Sunday lunch or evening, Dinners are prepared on board the train and served to your table.
Cycling from Okehampton station to Lydford. The route leads you along level purpose built paths to Meldon Viaduct. You will see the Okehampton Castle and breathtaking views over Dartmoor and the local countryside. Okehampton Castle is one of the most extensive castle ruins in Devon, with a Norman motte, added to in the 11th and 14th century. Owned by the Earl of Devon, it was destroyed in 1539 by Henry VIII who executed the Earl for treason.
There is also a leisure centre in Okehampton with a indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and out door bowls club.
Exeter
The main Capital City to Lashbrook House B and B is Exeter around 30 minutes drive on the A30, there is Exeter's historic quayside ideal place to browse in antique shops, walk and cycle, take a relaxing boat trip or find something good to eat. There has been a quay since Roman times. However, by the 14th century boats could not get up the river to unload, because of weirs built across the river. In the 1560's John Trew built a canal to provide access to the Quayside. Discover hidden Exeter with free guided tours with Exeter's Red Coat Guides, have a scary night out in Exeter with a ghosts and legends, murder and mayhem or spooks and broomsticks tour. Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museam, home to displays and collections of regional and national importance. Exeter Catherdral, one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic work in England today, including the longest unbroken stretch of Medieval Gothic vaulting in the world. Topsham Museum overlooking the Exeter estuary, visitors can enjoy displays of local history and maritime interest.
You can fly at Exeter flying club, flight times from 30 minutes to an hour experienced and professinal instructors. Exeter's city wall trail, discover the history of the city wall, or the Woolen trail, for children there are quizzes and puzzles to solve along the way. Shopping in Exeter with over 700 shops ranging from famous high street names, to 350 small independent stores something for everyone. Eating out at Exeter there is a diversity to reflect it's many coffee shops, restaurants and public houses.
Tavistock
From Lashbrook House B&B take the A386 to Tavistock voted the best market town 2004. In 1542 Tavistock's most famous son was born at a farm at Crowndale just down-stream on the Tavy - he was to become Sir Francis Drake. A statue of Drake was erected by the 9th Duke of Bedford in 1883. William Browne, the poet, was born in Tavistock. Shopping contains shops for every taste and need. Restaurants and cafes cater for the inner man and seats around the pedestrianised square allow rest for tired feet. The most attractive feature of Bedford square is the court gate and the town hall, the embattled and pinnacled building completed in 1860. Nearby attractions are Morwellham Quay historic port and Copper mine, just four miles from Tavistock off the A390.